NMNH Supplements: The Good And The Bad

NMNH (reduced nicotinamide mononucleotide) is a reduced form of the popular supplement nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Both molecules boost the function of NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a coenzyme that helps energize you by regulating cellular processes. NAD+ levels decline with age, leading to age-related health issues. New research suggests that NMNH could boost NAD+ levels better than NMN can. If true, NMNH supplements could be a game changer to ward off age-related health infirmities. Here's what you need to know about them.

NMNH vs. NMN Supplements

NMNH and NMN are both supplements that help boost NAD+ levels, but there are notable differences in how they work:

Feature	NMN	NMNH
NAD+ boost	Moderate increase	Nearly 10x higher increase
Response time	Slower	Rapid, within 15 minutes
Lasting impact	Short	Last up to 24 hours
Dosage efficiency	Higher doses needed	Minimal dose sufficient
Tissue impact	Limited to certain tissues	Works across multiple tissues
Health benefits	Basic support for aging and cells	Stronger support for cellular health and aging
Absorption	Standard	More efficient due to reduced form
Energy and metabolism	General support	Extended energy and metabolism boost
DNA repair	Moderate	Enhanced

How Do NMNH Supplements Work?

Upon ingestion, NMNH is absorbed and converted into NAD+ through the action of nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (NMNAT).

As NAD+ naturally decreases with age, cellular function and efficiency can decline.

Increasing NAD+ levels with NMNH helps support crucial processes like energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular maintenance.

This increase in NAD+ can help mitigate age-related declines in cellular function, promoting healthier aging at the cellular level.

Health Benefits Of NMNH Supplements

NMNH is being studied for its ability to combat age-related decline, showing potential benefits at both cellular and systemic levels, such as:

Improves cognitive abilities
Boosts physical performance and stamina
Promotes healthy metabolism, including better insulin sensitivity and fat processing
Helps protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
May extend lifespan, as suggested by preclinical research

Side Effects Of NMNH Supplements

While NMNH supplements are generally considered safe for most individuals, some may experience side effects, including:

Nausea
Headache
Diarrhea
Stomach upset
Flushing

NMNH should also be used cautiously by individuals with certain medical conditions, such as:

Liver disease
Kidney disease

Note: Before starting NMNH, it's advisable to check with a healthcare provider, especially if you have any health conditions.

Who Should Take NMNH Supplements?

Older adults looking to improve physical and mental health
Athletes wanting to boost endurance and aerobic capacity
People aiming to reduce aging effects like oxidative stress and DNA damage
Those with low NAD+ levels facing fatigue or early aging signs
People seeking to improve their metabolism and energy levels

Who Should Not Take NMNH Supplements?

Individuals with liver or kidney conditions that may increase risks
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as safety studies are lacking
People on medications like blood thinners or diabetes drugs due to potential interactions
Those allergic or sensitive to NMNH or its ingredients

An infographic about NMNH supplements, describing what it is and its benefits and side effects. The right side of the infographic contains an illustration of supplement bottle and the molecular structure of NMNH.

FAQs about NMNH Supplements

What Is The Difference Between NR And NMNH?

Nicotinamide riboside (NR) and NMNH are NAD+ precursors, yet they vary in chemical structure, metabolic pathways, and physiological effects.

NR: A small molecule and a form of vitamin B3, it consists of a nicotinamide group linked to a ribose sugar.

Upon ingestion, the enzyme nicotinamide riboside kinase converts it into NMN, which then enters the NAD+ biosynthesis pathway.

NMNH: The additional hydroxyl group on the ribose sugar found in NMNH improves its efficiency in boosting NAD+ levels.

It can be directly used in the NAD+ biosynthesis pathway without converting to NMN.

Which Is Better, NMN Or NMNH?

A 2021 study highlights that NMNH is more effective than NMN in boosting NAD+ levels.

Lab tests and studies on mice showed that NMNH increased NAD+ levels more efficiently in both cases.

Additionally, NMNH increased NADH, the reduced form of NAD+, which is essential for cell energy production.

It also impacted metabolism by slowing down key energy pathways, such as glucose breakdown and the citric acid cycle, to improve cellular health.

In lab experiments, NMNH caused cell cycle arrest and inhibited cell growth, while no significant change in mouse weight was observed.

While both NMN and NMNH enhance NAD+ levels, NMNH's effects may offer superior benefits for health and aging.

Why Did The FDA Ban NMN?

The FDA has banned NMN under the "drug exclusion clause" of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act).

According to section 201(ff)(3)(B) of the Act, any substance classified as an approved drug or tested as a new drug cannot be marketed as a dietary supplement.

Since NMN underwent clinical investigations before being sold as a supplement, the FDA determined it didn't qualify as a dietary supplement and banned it in the U.S. market.

Summary

NMNH is a more efficient supplement than NMN, requiring a smaller dosage to boost NAD+ levels.
It supports anti-aging, energy production, DNA repair, and metabolism.
NMNH also improves cognitive abilities and stamina and protects against neurodegenerative diseases.
While generally safe, it should be avoided by pregnant women or those with liver or kidney conditions.